Our Senior Immigration Consultant, Judit Adorjan recently commented on this topic for HR Magazine.  

Home Office crackdown on businesses who knowingly employ illegal migrants 

Fines for businesses that knowingly employ illegal migrants are set to triple from their current rate at the start of 2024 following new rules announced by the government on 7 August. 

Fines for first time offenders will rise from £15,000 to £45,000, whereas repeat offenders will face fees rising from £20,000 to £60,000.  

Landlords who knowingly rent property to illegal migrants will face similar fine hikes. 

The government also announced the Home Office will consult on how to strengthen action against licensed businesses who are employing illegal workers. 

Minister for immigration Robert Jenrick said the move will deter small boat crossings. 

In a statement, he said: “Making it harder for illegal migrants to work and operate in the UK is vital to deterring dangerous, unnecessary small boat crossings.  

“Unscrupulous landlords and employers who allow illegal working and renting enable the business model of the evil people smugglers to continue.” 

Businesses must ensure full compliance

The fine hikes will increase pressure on employers to ensure full compliance.  There is already a lot of emphasis on employers being ‘immigration police’ through complex compliance: reporting, record keeping, specified dates and change in right to work checks.   

According to the Home Office, the purpose of penalties related to illegal working is to encourage employers to comply with their legal obligations.  

“However, the majority of businesses are unaware of this regime and their duties as there is little publicity surrounding it.” 

Extract from article in HR Magazine

You can read the full article here